Today is Vincent Van Gogh's163rd birthday!
Self Portrait as a Painter, early 1888, c/o Wikipedia
While at a young age I was first inspired by Monet (and, later, Matisse), I became sort of fascinated by Van Gogh when I learned that he and I share a birthday (though I am not 163, let's just get that out of the way right now).
Wheat Field with Cypresses, 1889, c/o Wikipedia
I recently watched a documentary about Van Gogh on Netflix (it was the third episode of the series Raiders of the Lost Art (yes, I was initially drawn in because of the name. love it!) entitled "Van Gogh's Guardian"), and how after his death (and the death of his beloved brother Theo), it was Theo's wife Johanna (Jo) who was really instrumental in Vincent becoming well known. She is often overlooked as being a player in his life because, once Vincent died, his "story was over."
painting of Johanna by Johan Cohen Gosschalk, c/o Wikipedia
Jo was only married to Theo for 2 years when Vincent died, and sadly, Theo died just 6 months later. (Theo is famously known for being unconditionally supportive of his brother Vincent, both financially and emotionally, and writing hundreds of letters between him and Vincent over many years).
Irises, 1889, c/o Wikipedia
hello, gorgeous.
I was just struck by how dedicated Jo was to this pursuit: passionately carrying on a cause that her husband has started, especially since she had only been in Vincent's life such a short time. Theo saw the genius in his brother, and so did she. It was also she who got the letters between Vincent and Theo published!
Bedroom in Arles, 1888, c/o Wikipedia
I thought it was also interesting how, from the beginning, his most popular paintings were his sunflowers series. (I, personally, am drawn to his irises). The story is told so much better through the documentary so I won't spoil it by trying to re-tell it; but I think it's amazing that this woman reaching out to other artists (like Émile Bernard) and gallerists, and publishing the letters made such a difference in Van Gogh's legacy, that only a few months before she died The National Gallery of Art (London), reached out to her wanting one of Van Gogh's paintings.
Vase with Fifteen Sunflowers, 1888, c/o Wikipedia
Fun fact: the impasto paint on Van Gogh's late sunflowers paintings (c. 1888-1889) was so thick, it wasn't even dry when he died in July 1890.
Today, Vincent Van Gogh's paintings are among some of the most expensive in the entire world. I have only read snippets of his letters with Theo (the collection is on my to-read list), but he has been often lauded for his eloquence, not only to speak of his personal journey, but also for his critical look inside the mind of a working artist. He often included sketches of the paintings he was working on and explained his process.
letter from Vincent to Theo, 1881, c/o The Guardian
Such an amazing story, and, truly, I think an amazing woman. It's hard to know if his work would even be modernly known without her passion and dedication.
Happy Birthday, Vincent!
I know you had a hard life, but your work and legacy will live on (often on cheesy t-shirts and coffee mugs).
Self-Portrait, 1889, c/o Musee d'Orsay
And a couple more, because I can't resist:
Portrait of the Postman Joseph Roulin, April 1888, c/o Wikipedia
La Berceuse (Augustine Roulin), January 1889, c/o Wikipedia
Can. you. even. with these floral backgrounds?!
I'm in love.
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